Cornwall has a proud heritage, a distinct Celtic identity and language, a strong mining past and modern fishing industry.
St Piran is the patron saint of Cornish tin miners, and Cornwall celebrates St Piran’s Day each year on 5 March.
Festivities and parades began in the late 19th and early 20th century and have become increasing popular since the 1950s.
To mark the day, Cornwall’s black-and-white St Piran’s flag flew at the DCLG’s London offices.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles raised the flag, with Cornwall MP Stephen Gilbert and Communities Minister Stephen Williams also present.
County days, flags and historic counties are an important part of English history, and the government is keen to encourage people to mark these strong traditions.
They should take pride in and champion their local identities irrespective of current tiers of local administration.
Working with the independent Flag Institute, the government is encouraging more communities to create their own local flags.
By relaxing the flag-flying rules, it will be easier to fly a wider range of flags without needing to pay up to £35 for express consent.
It will also help to promote integration and community spirit.
Source: www.gov.uk
